Individual
Interpretations:When
a group comes together, attention must be paid to the group's social climate.
As the theory suggests, this leads to a more productive group thatnot only
achieves cohesion socially, but also productivity is heightened. This cohesion
is gained by the group willingness to discuss outside issues andsituations
to give the group a sense of comfort and certainty about the other group
members. This eventually leads to the "fantasy chain reaction, which gives
the group conversation an upbeat tempo.

Metatheoretical
Assumptions:Metatheoretical
Assumptions: Being a Scientific theory, the following metatheoretical assumption
must be advanced.

Ontological
Assumptions: Fantasy Theme provides one "T" truth due to the
one outcome for this event of discussion concerning outside activities
and group hopes.Epistemological
Assumptions: There is a great deal of determinism in Bormann's
theory- that all group members who disclose informationoutside
of the group will increase the group climate whether it was their intention
to do so or not. Axiological
Assumptions: This theory is value laden in its assumption.

Critique:
Bormann's
Fantasy Theme Analysis is a very insightful theory that groups can use
as a template for how they function in the early stages of their experience
as a group or team. It also contests the notion that task maintenence roles
should be first and foremost. Fantasy Theme Analysis suggests that for
these two roles (task and maintenence) to function, they must be equally
regarded and tended to.

Explanatory
Power - The explanatory power of Bormannís theory is very
strong. There is a very detailed process that agroup must undergo in
order to achieve the fantasy chain reaction, heightening the amount of
group participation in theconversation.

Predictive
Power - Bormann states that if the group collectively shares
information about each other and the direction ofthe group, then group
communication will be much more effective.

Parsimony
- This is a very understandable theory that is not quite simplistic,
yet it is simple enough to be expoundedupon, built upon, and
effective.

InternalConsistency
- The internal logic in Bormann's theory is very cohesive and every
detail connects with the overallmeaning of the theory.

Heuristic
Provocativeness - Fantasy Theme Analysis generates questions
for further research on groups and the waydisclosing information
about life outside the group connects the group and increases the overall
group climate.

Organizing
Power - Bormann;s theory is very organized and fits with
already existing knowledge regarding groups and groupclimate.

Ideas
and Implications:Bormann's Fantasy Theme
Analysis is a very useful theory because it explains how groups can improve
the quality of thegroup by merely sharing
information about each other that extends beyond the classroom or the organization.

Example:Group
A is a very cohesive group. Every class period they first tend to the maintenance
roles, explaining what each member did the night before.After several minutes,
the group then switches to the task roles, a process in which they define
a task and go about achieving the task. Bormannwould explain that through
this action, the group is more likely to have very active conversations,
and ultimately energize the group, increasing theirproductivity.

Group B has a problem when
it comes to group cohesion. When they are together, they focus solely on
the task at hand, instead of tending to themaintenance roles. This
causes Group B to become less cohesive in Bormannís viewpoint.